School Nutrition Services (SNS) Research

Publication: JAND

Date Published: March 2019

Reference: 

School Lunch Entrées Before and After Implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
Mozer, Lauren et al.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 119, Issue 3, 490 - 499

Key Takeaways: The study examined over 1.7 million student-selected lunch entrees across and analyzed changes in nutritional quality from three middle schools and three high schools. Following the implementation of the Healthy Hungry High School Free Kids Act (HHFKA) in Washington State, the study showed that post-HHFKA implementations showed a decrease in energy per serving for all entrees, and there was a significant increase in Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR). Specific Items such as salad, burritos, pizzas, and sandwiches showed notable improvement in nutrition quality. Middle school showed significant density changes in calories or a decrease in calorie content per gram of food. High school did not show significant changes in energy density. The variety of entrees offered decreased by 44%, with significant changes in the proportion of entrees selected by students.

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